What happens when a deathcore frontman trades the stage for the world of AI startups and executive leadership?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with Matt Jones — former frontman of Martyr Defiled and newly appointed Chief Commercial Officer at frontier AI startup Corpora — to talk about identity, reinvention, authenticity, and the surprising skills that transfer from music to business.

Matt opens up about life touring in metal bands, navigating sudden popularity, learning humility, and eventually realizing it was time to grow into a new chapter. We also dive into leadership, startup culture, AI, and why joy may be the most underrated career strategy of all.

This conversation is honest, funny, thoughtful, and packed with insight for anyone who has ever wondered if it’s too late to change directions.

Topics include:

• Life as the frontman of Martyr Defiled
• Touring, music culture, and growing up
• The transition from music to tech
• Leadership and charisma
• AI startups and innovation
• Authenticity in professional spaces
• Finding purpose and joy in your career

Matt’s story proves that sometimes the biggest plot twists lead exactly where you’re supposed to go.

Where to find Matt:

Linkedin

What happens when a lawyer walks away from everything to follow the pull of storytelling—and ends up writing about the future of artificial intelligence?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, Mark Peres shares his incredible journey from civil litigation to professor of leadership and ethics, and ultimately to author. We dive into his novel The Accord, a philosophical thriller exploring the emotional and ethical complexities of human-AI relationships, as well as his deeply personal memoir The Man Who Lived a Hundred Lives.

This conversation explores career pivots, creative identity, grief, storytelling, and how fiction can help us understand the rapidly evolving world of AI.

🎧 Topics include:
• Leaving law to pursue purpose
• Writing character-driven fiction
• The future of artificial intelligence
• Grief, memory, and storytelling
• How real life inspires powerful narratives

If you’re interested in writing, AI, personal growth, or powerful life pivots—this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now and discover why the best plot twists aren’t written… they’re lived.

Where to find Mark:

www.markperes.com

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with author Stuart Jaffe, the creative mind behind the Max Porter Paranormal Mysteries and Pathway Ring series.

With over 70 books spanning paranormal mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and thriller genres, Stuart shares how he blends real historical events with supernatural elements like ghosts, magic, and hidden worlds. From discovering little-known World War II history in North Carolina to building long-running book series, this conversation dives deep into the craft of storytelling.

Stuart also opens up about:

• Writing across multiple genres without burning out
• The balance between mystery and the supernatural
• Creating grounded paranormal worlds that feel real
• The differences between writing plays and novels
• Building long-running series and keeping characters consistent
• His upcoming projects, including a new dragon horror novel

If you’re a fan of ghost stories, paranormal investigations, historical mysteries, or sci-fi storytelling, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and discover the stories behind the stories.

Where to find Stuart:

Website

Facebook

Episode Tags:

• paranormal mysteries
• ghost stories podcast
• writing tips for authors
• Stuart Jaffe interview
• Max Porter paranormal mysteries
• sci fi writing advice
• fantasy author interview
• ghost hunting stories
• historical mystery books
• how to write a book series

What happens when you finally stop saying “one day” and start writing your story?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, host Erin Egnatz sits down with UK-based thriller author Gemma Denham to talk about her journey from children’s book illustrator to suspense novelist—and how a “before 40” bucket list changed everything.

Gemma shares the inspiration behind her debut novel The Storm, a chilling locked-room mystery set in England’s Lake District, where a remote retreat turns deadly after guests are trapped by a storm. She also gives an inside look at her upcoming psychological thriller The Inheritance, a haunting story that blurs the line between reality and paranoia.

They dive into:

• Writing suspense and crafting plot twists that keep readers guessing
• The difference between visual storytelling and novel writing
• How to build tension in atmospheric settings
• Balancing writing with family life and a full-time job
• Why it’s never too late to start writing your first novel

Whether you’re a thriller fan, an aspiring author, or someone sitting on a dream you’ve been putting off—this episode is your sign to go for it.

🎧 Listen now and discover your next plot twist.

Where to find Gemma:

Website

Instagram

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TAGS

thriller author interview, Gemma Denham interview, The Storm book, The Inheritance novel, psychological thriller books, locked room mystery, writing suspense tips, how to write a thriller, debut author journey, writing after 40, late bloomer success stories, Plot Twist Radio podcast, Erin Egnatz podcast, author interview podcast, mystery book lovers

What if making a wish wasn’t just wishful thinking?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with Brownell Landrum to explore the fascinating intersection of storytelling, science, and something a little more… cosmic.

Brownell is a writer who blends fiction, metaphysics, and real scientific research to explore what she calls the art and science of wishing. From neuroplasticity and the brain’s reticular activating system to the idea of “cosmic collaboration,” this conversation dives into whether manifestation is just mindset—or something more.

We talk about:
✨ The difference between wishes, goals, and prayer
✨ How science plays a role in intention and manifestation
✨ Why repetition rewires your brain to find opportunities
✨ The balance between control and surrender
✨ And how storytelling can actually expand the way we think about reality

Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just curious, this episode will challenge the way you think about intention—and maybe even make you look at your own wishes a little differently.

🎧 Listen now and decide for yourself… is there science behind the magic?

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share Plot Twist Radio.

Where to find Brownell:

Website

Facebook

What really happens in a moment that becomes baseball history?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, former MLB infielder Geoff Blum takes us inside one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball—the 14th inning of Game 3 of the 2005 World Series.

From stepping into the batter’s box after hours of tension… to the swing that helped secure a championship for the Chicago White Sox… Blum shares what was really going through his mind in that iconic at-bat.

But this conversation goes far beyond one home run.

We talk about:
⚾ The reality of life as a utility player in Major League Baseball
⚾ Adapting to multiple teams and clubhouses
⚾ The mindset behind clutch moments
⚾ His transition from MLB player to broadcaster with the Houston Astros
⚾ And why the love of the game never really leaves you

Whether you’re a lifelong baseball fan or just love a great underdog story, this episode is about more than sports—it’s about the unexpected moments that define a career.

🎧 New to the show? Plot Twist Radio is all about the moments that change everything—the ones you never see coming.

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🔥 Season 2 is here… with even bigger guests, deeper stories, and more unforgettable plot twists.

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📲 Follow & connect:
Instagram: @hauntingsaroundamerica
YouTube: @ErinEgnatz

What really happens when a first-time author lands a publishing deal… and it turns into a nightmare?

In this episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with author Isis Chandler to talk about her debut novel What Draws Us Apart, her love of storytelling, and the unexpected (and shocking) reality she faced in the publishing world.

Isis opens up about:

• Her journey from lifelong storyteller to published author
• The truth about working with small publishers
• Red flags every author should watch for before signing a contract
• How she reclaimed her rights and turned to self-publishing
• The inspiration behind her romance-driven, character-focused storytelling
• Writing with her husband and blending romance with fantasy (“romantasy”)

We also dive into the creative process—outlining vs. “pantser” writing, building authentic characters, and why storytelling can be one of the most powerful forms of escape.

If you’re an aspiring author, a fan of romance or fantasy, or just someone who loves a behind-the-scenes look at the writing world—this episode is a must-listen.

Isischandler.com

YouTube

📚 Featured Book: What Draws Us Apart by Isis Chandler
🎥 Follow Isis: Sci-Fi and Romanticy Fans (YouTube) + @IsisChandlerAuthor

In this powerful episode of Plot Twist Radio, I sit down with author and nonprofit founder Helen Aitchison to talk about the journey from a 20-year career in social care to becoming a published author whose stories are changing lives.

Helen shares how her work in social services—supporting individuals facing homelessness, addiction, trauma, and loss—deeply shaped her writing, allowing her to create emotionally rich, authentic characters that truly resonate with readers.

We dive into:

• Why it’s never too late to start writing
• How lived experience can transform your storytelling
• Writing about difficult topics like grief, abuse, and addiction
• The importance of sensitivity readers and authentic representation
• The truth about the publishing industry (and why most authors don’t make money)
• How writing can be both therapeutic and life-changing—for authors and readers

Helen also shares the inspiration behind her novel The Dinner Club, a story centered on connection, healing, and the power of shared experiences, as well as her nonprofit work making writing accessible to marginalized communities through creative and therapeutic programs.

If you’ve ever felt like your story doesn’t matter—or that it’s “too late” to start—this episode will change your perspective.

✨ Because your story matters. And someone out there needs to hear it.

Where you can find Helen:

Website

Facebook

Books